#India #Rajasthan #Hindustan Zinc #ICMM #Rohitesh Dhawan

ICMM CEO Rohitesh Dhawan’s Visit to Hindustan Zinc: A Tribute to Innovation and Sustainability

On September 16, 2025, Mr. Rohitesh Dhawan, the President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), made a significant visit to Hindustan Zinc Limited's Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan. This visit marked a historic moment as Hindustan Zinc became the first Indian company to join the ICMM, highlighting a pivotal advance in India's mining sector.

Mr. Dhawan was warmly welcomed by Mr. Arun Misra, the CEO of Hindustan Zinc, along with the senior leadership team. During the tour of the Sindesar Khurd Mine—recognized as the fourth largest silver-producing mine worldwide—Mr. Dhawan witnessed firsthand the global operations of Hindustan Zinc that emphasize technological innovation and environmental stewardship.

His discussions focused on reinforcing global collaboration, exchanging best practices, and further promoting responsible mining practices across South Asia. In his remarks, Mr. Dhawan expressed, "It has been a real privilege to visit Hindustan Zinc's operations in Rajasthan and see first-hand the integration of cutting-edge technology with ESG leadership. The path to a greener future runs through India, with its metals and minerals playing an essential role in enabling the global energy transition."

He praised the company's commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the inspiring dedication he observed towards environmental and social responsibility at the mine. His words underline the belief that world-class mining, conducted with ethical principles, is indeed achievable at Hindustan Zinc.

As a key player in the mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is making strides in its Sustainability 2.0 agenda. This approach is guided by science-based targets, emphasizing a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. In 2024, the company earned accolades as the most sustainable metals and mining enterprise for the second successive year, as recognized by SP Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

In FY25, Hindustan Zinc demonstrated a remarkable reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity—decreasing it by 15% in comparison to 2020 baseline figures—while simultaneously boosting production levels. This remarkable achievement reflects the company's balanced commitment to sustainable growth that prioritizes environmental integrity, technological advancements, and the delivery of long-term value for stakeholders.

Overall, Mr. Dhawan’s visit not only highlighted the importance of innovative mining practices but also energized the ongoing conversation about sustainability in the mining sector, especially within the context of India’s potential to lead in environmentally responsible mining practices. The Sindesar Khurd Mine stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when mining operations focus on principles of responsibility and sustainability, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

Hindustan Zinc's journey showcases the merging of economic growth with ecological stewardship, and underlines the crucial role of industry leaders like Mr. Dhawan in fostering environments that empower sustainable development and responsible mining initiatives. As the global landscape continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be pivotal in paving a sustainable future for mining worldwide.